Search Westchester County Criminal Court Records
Westchester County criminal court records are filed at the County Clerk's office in White Plains. The County Court handles all felony prosecutions in this large suburban county just north of New York City. Westchester is part of the Ninth Judicial District and is one of the most populous counties in the state, with about 1 million residents. White Plains serves as the county seat. The county stretches from Yonkers in the south to Peekskill in the north, covering dozens of cities, towns, and villages. The County Clerk serves as Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts, keeping all criminal case records on file at the courthouse.
Westchester County Overview
Westchester County Criminal Court System
The Westchester County Court is one of the busiest in New York State. It handles all felony prosecutions for nearly a million residents. The court sits at the county courthouse on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in White Plains. Multiple County Court judges hear criminal cases here because of the high caseload.
The Westchester County District Attorney's office prosecutes all felony and misdemeanor crimes. The DA has specialized units for different types of cases. These include Special Victims, Economic Crimes, Public Integrity, and Narcotics. The office works with the Westchester County Police Department, municipal police forces, and the New York State Police. Victim services are also run through the DA's office.
The County Clerk keeps all court records for Supreme Court and County Court. The office files new cases, maintains dockets, stores completed files, and provides copies to the public. Criminal records, civil records, judgments, and liens are all in the clerk's system.
| Court | Westchester County Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
Westchester County Courthouse 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard White Plains, NY 10601 |
| Phone | (914) 824-5100 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| 9jd.westchester@nycourts.gov | |
| Chief Clerk | Brian R. Butler |
Westchester County has several city courts that handle criminal cases within their limits. Yonkers City Court, New Rochelle City Court, Mount Vernon City Court, White Plains City Court, and Peekskill City Court all hear misdemeanors and violations. Town and village justice courts across the county also handle local cases. Felonies from any of these courts get transferred to County Court for prosecution.
How to Search Westchester County Criminal Court Records
You can search for criminal court records in Westchester County through several channels. WebCrims is the state's free online tool. It covers criminal cases in county and city courts across New York. Search by defendant name or case number at iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim.
The NYS Office of Court Administration runs the Criminal History Record Search (CHRS). This is the formal way to check for criminal convictions statewide. You pay a fee and submit your request. Results show any convictions found in New York courts. Start at ww2.nycourts.gov/apps/chrs.
The Westchester County Clerk's office in White Plains is the place for in-person searches. Staff can look up cases and give you copies of court documents. You can see full case files. Bring the defendant's name and any case details. Fees apply for copies and certified documents.
City courts in Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, and White Plains have their own records. If the case was heard in one of those courts, contact that court directly. The County Clerk only holds County Court and Supreme Court records.
Tip: Because Westchester County is large and has many local courts, make sure you know which court heard the case before you start your search. This saves time and prevents confusion.
Westchester County court records can be accessed through state and local court resources in White Plains.
Westchester County Criminal Records Access
Most criminal court records in Westchester County are open to the public. Under Judiciary Law Section 255, the court clerk must allow access to court records. You do not need to be a party to the case or give a reason for wanting to see the file. Public access is the default.
Sealed records are the key exception. CPL 160.50 requires sealing when a criminal case ends in dismissal or acquittal. Once sealed, the public cannot see the file. Only the person who was charged retains the right to get a copy. CPL 160.55 also seals records where a crime charge results in a conviction for a violation or traffic infraction only.
Some convictions can be sealed under newer laws. CPL 160.58 allows sealing of certain drug offense convictions if the person completes a court-ordered treatment program. CPL 160.59 is broader. It lets a person petition to seal up to two convictions, no more than one of which can be a felony. The person must wait ten years from the end of their sentence. The court considers the type of crime, the person's behavior since the conviction, and the impact on public safety.
Westchester County handles a high volume of criminal cases. The clerk's office processes many records requests. For fastest service, have all your details ready when you contact the office. Fees apply for copies and certified documents.
Criminal Court Legal Framework
Criminal cases in Westchester County follow the New York Criminal Procedure Law. The CPL controls every phase of a criminal case. It covers arrest, arraignment, bail, motions, trial, and sentencing. All courts in the county must follow the CPL, from town justice courts up to Supreme Court.
The Penal Law defines all crimes and their penalties. Felonies range from Class A (the most serious, including first-degree murder) to Class E. Class E felonies carry up to four years in state prison. Misdemeanors are Class A (up to one year in jail) or Class B (up to three months). Violations carry no more than 15 days.
Westchester County is part of the Ninth Judicial District, which also includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, and Rockland counties. The district is one of the busiest outside New York City. Supreme Court in Westchester can hear any case but criminal trials usually take place in County Court.
The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services keeps a central database of criminal records. Police and prosecutors use DCJS routinely. Authorized agencies in certain regulated fields can request DCJS record checks. You can review your own record through DCJS Record Review.
Legal Help in Westchester County
Anyone charged with a crime in Westchester County has the right to counsel. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will assign one at no cost. The Legal Aid Society of Westchester County represents many defendants who qualify. Tell the judge at your arraignment that you need a public defender.
Several legal aid groups serve Westchester. The Westchester County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. You can also use the New York State Bar Association's service at nysba.org to find a criminal defense attorney in the area.
The NYS court system has self-help materials at nycourts.gov, including forms and guides. The Westchester County law library at the courthouse has legal texts and other reference materials for research. Some law schools in the region run clinics that may accept criminal cases.
Important: Westchester County courts handle serious cases every day. A felony conviction can lead to state prison time. If you face criminal charges here, get a lawyer as soon as possible.
Cities in Westchester County
Westchester County has several cities, each with its own city court for misdemeanor cases. All felony criminal cases go through the Westchester County Court in White Plains.
Other communities in Westchester County include Peekskill, Ossining, Mamaroneck, Rye, Scarsdale, Tarrytown, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, and Harrison. Town and village justice courts handle local misdemeanors and violations. Felonies are tried at County Court.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Westchester County. Criminal cases must be filed in the county where the crime occurred.